The still controversial procedure, LASIK, is the acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, and since it came out in the 1980s, debates about this procedure have not died. Going beyond what eyeglasses and contact lenses can do, laser eye surgeries successfully correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, so that patients who underwent such refractive procedures no longer need to use their old eyeglasses anymore.
The Eye Surgery
The procedure is fairly easy to understand. LASIK eye surgery is a procedure to reshape the corneal layer of your eye by use of laser. This laser functions to extract small tissues from the cornea that are not shaped correctly and this fragment is corrected so as to focus images directly into your retina, just like that of a person with perfect 20/20 vision.
Your first visit to the eye surgeon will be nothing but a series of examinations. As this is a very delicate procedure, the surgeon needs to do a lot of tests, and you as a responsible patient should ask all the questions you have about the procedure. For any surgical procedure, it is important that you know what you are getting into and so take this time to familiarize yourself with the entire procedure, to know the pre-operative measures you need to take, as well as the things you can expect thereafter.
You may be asked to wear your glasses, for the entire month prior to the procedure. This is done so that cornea of your eyes is in their natural shape. Contact lenses can alter the shape of the cornea so patients who use this are told to keep them out, weeks before the procedure. Another restriction is the application of lotions, make-up, creams or any other product on the area around the eye. Note that all these pre-operative measures were given for your safety and for the success of your surgery so make sure to follow them.
On the day of the operation, you will be in a complete surgical set-up, lying on a table with all the surgical equipment on top of you. Before the surgery begins you will be given drops of the anesthetic solution on each eye to be able to numb your eye from pain, and you will be asked to look up and focus on a blinking light. An eye-prop will be put on your eye to keep them open and also, to stop you from blinking. This same instrument will also serve as a protection for the other eye and you will wear this, while on the table, until after the whole procedure is done.
An incision is done directly onto the eye to be able to expose the cornea. Once this has been done the laser will try to get into your eye and reshape the part that is causing your eyesight the problem. Once it has been done, the flap is returned and it will heal on its own. After a few hours, or once you are capable, you can leave and go home.
Healing may vary per person. Depending of the type of correction administered, a corresponding healing process can be expected. Discuss your case with your surgeon. If your doctor has given you any post-operative instructions, make sure that you follow those. The success of any surgical procedure is a joint effort between the patient and the performing surgeon. Do your part, as well.
